What to Do If Your Passport Photo Is Rejected
Read your rejection letter for instructions. If the Department of State rejects your passport application, they’ll send you an official rejection letter via mail or email. This letter will explain why your photo was rejected and list all the requirements the photo must meet. Carefully read the letter and follow the instructions to resubmit your photo.
Take a new passport photo that meets all requirements. Retake your passport photo and make sure to fix whatever issue caused the original to get rejected. Remember, your passport photo must meet all of the requirements listed on your rejection letter, so even if you fix the original issue, make sure there are no other issues that could get your new photo rejected. If you took the first photo at home, consider having your second one professionally taken so it’s less likely to get rejected again.
Resubmit your photo by the deadline. Your rejection letter will explain how long you have to resubmit your photo—90 days from the date on the letter. Return your new photo and a copy of your rejection letter to the return address printed at the top of the letter. If you fail to meet the 90-day deadline, you must submit an entirely new application.
Common Reasons That Passport Photos Get Rejected
Incorrect sizing A US passport photo must be 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) in order to be accepted. Your head must measure 25-35 mm from the top to the tip of the chin. There must be space between the top of your head and the upper edge of the photo, as well as the left and right edges. Note that other countries may have different requirements. Be sure to read any requirements for your country thoroughly before submitting your photo.
Improper facial expressions or positioning You must maintain a fairly neutral facial expression for your passport photo—no wide smiles or deep frowns. Keep your eyes open and look directly at the camera. Do not tilt your head or body away from the camera and stand straight with your shoulders square. In general, it’s okay to smile with your mouth closed, but if you’re worried this may cause your photo to get rejected, it’s better to keep an entirely neutral expression.
Poor photo quality Your passport photo must be in full color and submitted in perfect condition. There cannot be any holes, tears, smudges, or other visible discrepancies. The image cannot be too blurry or pixelated and must be printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper.
Shadows or lighting issues You cannot have shadows on your face, under your chin, on your neck, or in the background. Shadows cast by your ears are acceptable but should be minimal. Additionally, your photo must not be too dark or overexposed, as the lighting affects facial visibility.
Wrong background color Passport photo backgrounds must be white or off-white in color and have no visible shadows, patterns, textures, or other distractions. You must be alone in the photo with no objects, people, or animals in the background.
Wearing glasses or distracting accessories As of 2016, you are no longer allowed to wear glasses in a US passport photo. Your face must be unobscured, so large or distracting accessories like hats, scarves, and headwear must be removed. Don’t wear large jewelry, reflective embellishments, or anything that obscures your face or hairline. There are exceptions for religious or medical headwear, though this must be documented with a signed statement for approval. Similarly, if you wear glasses for a specific medical reason and need to keep them on, you must provide a signed doctor’s statement.
Wearing inappropriate clothing You are not permitted to wear any kind of uniform, including military or law enforcement uniforms, in your passport photo. Avoid high collars or any type of clothing that will obscure facial features like your chin, ears, or shoulders. White clothing may also blend in with the background and isn’t generally accepted. Darker, casual clothes are the best option.
Editing or retouching your photo The US Department of State says that you can make no digital alterations to your passport photo. This includes any form of post-processing or retouching, including red-eye removal or blemish correction. If you are not satisfied with your photo, take a new one rather than attempting to edit it.
How long do you have to resubmit a photo?
Submit an updated passport photo within 90 days. Once you receive your official letter explaining that your photo has been rejected, you have 90 days to retake and resend your photo. If you miss this deadline, your application will be void, and you must begin a new one.
Do you have to pay again if your photo is rejected?
You do not have to pay again if you meet the 90-day deadline. If you retake and resend your new passport photo by the 90-day deadline, you will not be required to pay again. However, if you resubmit after this deadline has passed, you must reapply for your passport and pay all the fees again. The same rules apply to rejected online passport renewal photos.
How to Take a Good Passport Photo
Stand against a white background. Your passport photo must be taken on a plain white (or off-white) background with no patterns, shadows, or other distractions. If you have your photo taken at a facility, they’ll provide you with a backdrop. If you’re taking the photo yourself, find a well-lit white wall or stand in front of a white poster board.
Face the camera directly. Stand or sit directly in front of the camera with your back straight and your shoulders squared. Do not tilt your body away from the camera. Keep your head straight and do not look away from the camera.
Make sure your face is fully visible. Do not wear glasses, hats, or any accessories that cover or obscure your face. Stand in a well-lit area so there are no shadows, and make sure the photo is not over-exposed, as this may affect facial visibility. If you wear headgear or glasses for religious or medical reasons, it must be documented with a signed statement for approval.
Maintain a neutral expression. Have a neutral expression with both eyes open and your mouth closed. It’s generally acceptable to smile as long as you don’t show teeth, but avoid wide smiles, deep frowns, or any expression that is too animated or distracting.
Check that your photo is the proper size and quality. Before submitting your passport photo, double-check that it’s in good condition and ready to go. US passport photos must be 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), and your head must be between 25-35 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. Choose a high-resolution image that isn’t grainy, blurry, or pixelated. If you’re printing the photo yourself, make sure to print it on matte or glossy photo-quality paper.
Have your photo professionally taken. In general, passport photos that are rejected most often are the ones people attempt to take themselves. To make sure your photo is up to standards, consider having it taken professionally instead. Visit a passport acceptance facility, like a post office, or a business that offers photo services, like CVS or Walgreens. While you’ll have to pay a fee, your photo will be less likely to get rejected. If you choose to take the photo on your own, do not attempt to take a selfie. Have a friend take the photo for you.
Passport Photo FAQs
Where can I get my passport photo taken? Get your passport taken at any acceptance facility, like a post office or a county clerk’s office, as well as any business that offers photo services, like Walgreens. Alternatively, have a friend or family member take the photo and print your own copy on matte or glossy paper. Be aware that acceptance facilities and photo vendors charge different fees for taking your photo. If you’re not sure where to find an acceptance facility, visit the US Department of State’s passport acceptance facility search page.
Can I smile in my passport photo? You can smile in your passport photo as long as your mouth is closed, so without showing teeth. Additionally, your eyes must be open. Many people prefer a neutral expression to avoid any issues.
Do I need a new passport if my appearance has changed? You only need to apply for a new passport if your appearance has changed significantly and you can no longer be identified by your current photo. Some of these changes include significant facial surgery or trauma, adding or removing many large facial piercings or tattoos, significant weight loss or gain, or a gender transition. Minor changes in appearance do not require a new passport photo. These changes include things like growing a beard, dyeing your hair, or the normal aging process.
What happens if your passport photo gets rejected twice? If your passport photo gets rejected twice, simply follow the set of steps sent to you in your rejection letter. Most likely, you’ll need to resubmit a new photo that meets the photo requirements. If you don’t send in a new photo by the stated deadline, your application may be voided and you’ll have to reapply from the beginning.
Comments
0 comment